Mondelez Global says it’s voluntarily recalling some of its Ritz Cracker products over potential risk of salmonella
Time

RITZ kicked off a summer of snacking and kitchen inspiration with delicious new recipes created especially for the seasons occasions. The brands cracker creations were unveiled at the RITZ Party Pantry, a deliciously creative snacking experience, on June 5, 2018 in New York City.(Photo11: Craig Barritt, Getty Images for RITZ)

But consumers were reminded of the dangerous bacteria's ability to affect processed foods as a number of voluntary and official recalls linked to salmonella scares have been reported within the past week.

Whey powder is the culprit

The culprit behind the growing list of cases is potentially contaminated whey powder that is being recalled by the whey manufacturer. Whey powder is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used in a number of foods to enhance solubility and transportability, thicken foods and modify texture.

The Ritz and Goldfish recalls don't mention the name of any whey producers, but a statement released Friday by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service in connection to the recall of Hungry Man dinners does.

“The whey powder is an FDA-regulated product that is being voluntarily recalled by the producer, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI). Additional FSIS-regulated products containing the recalled whey powder may be added to this public health alert as more information becomes available,” said the statement.

No confirmed illnesses

No illnesses have been confirmed in connection to the whey-linked recalls. It remains unclear if additional companies will issue voluntary recalls for products containing whey.

In the meantime, here were the current recalls and cases that remain under investigation.

Current food recalls

Hungry Man Dinners

According to the USDA, Pinnacle Foods, Inc has recalled individual frozen microwavable dinners with “HUNGRY MAN CHIPOTLE BBQ SAUCED BONELESS CHICKEN WYNGZ” printed on the label and bearing a best by date of Sept. 6, 2019.

The recalled frozen dinners have the establishment number "EST. P138" or "P-138" on the package. They were shipped to retailers in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

"The problem was discovered on July 17, 2018, when Pinnacle Foods, Inc. was notified by their supplier that the recalled whey powder ingredient was used in the ranch dressing seasoning supplied to the firm. The ranch dressing seasoning was incorporated into mashed potatoes and packaged as a component with a boneless chicken dinner," said a USDA statement.

"If you bought any of the crackers included in the recall, you should throw them out or return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund. You can also request a reimbursement online," said a statement from Pepperidge Farms.